Jillian’s observes anniversary, raises funds for charity

Jillian’s of Albany, the sports/entertainment restaurant on North Pearl Street, celebrated a year under local ownership on Thursday night with a party that raised money for the American Heart Association.

Approximately 150 people attended the event, which featured a full bar and a food spread that included carving stations, mountains of shrimp and abundant oysters. The benefit brought in about $2,500 for the AHA.

Notables in attendance included Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings, AHA officials and the local partnership that bought Jillian’s last February from its corporate owners, Louisville, Ky.-based JBC Entertainment Corp. (at right, left to right): Mike Diraddo, who was the Albany-based regional manager for the Jillian’s chain; Ralph Spillenger, owner of the Bayou Cafes in downtown Albany and Glenville; and John Botti, who co-founded what became AuthentiDate Holding Corp.